Rhododendron is toxic as well, if you eat the leaves but I've heard is fine for spoons.Walnut trees can kill competing plants that try to grow near one, but it have used a walnut spoon for ages.

I haven't looked into Holly, but still wouldn't worry too much. Toxicity is one of those words that sounds scary, but might be virtually meaningless in some instances. Maybe not the best example- Some people are allergic to poison ivy, some are not affected by it, PI is listed as a toxic plant. You have to know how the thing affects you. On the other hand toxicity can also mean very deadly.

Rhododendron is toxic as well, if you eat the leaves but I've heard is fine for spoons.Walnut trees can kill competing plants that try to grow near one, but it have used a walnut spoon for ages.

I haven't looked into Holly, but still wouldn't worry too much. Toxicity is one of those words that sounds scary, but might be virtually meaningless in some instances. Maybe not the best example- Some people are allergic to poison ivy, some are not affected by it, PI is listed as a toxic plant. You have to know how the thing affects you. On the other hand toxicity can also mean very deadly.

I would hate to give someone something that could be potentially harmful.I know poke salad berries are toxic (my brother had to have his stomach pumped when we were kids) but my grandmother used to cook and eat the leaves all the time.

« Last Edit: June 04, 2015, 10:56:23 AM by MrFixIt »

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Nothing wrong with caution. I'd hate to be wrong on this. My confidence is quite high most woods you'd want to use for wooden ware are safe unless eaten. Of course ring, and semi- ring porous have higher potential to harbor bacteria.

Man you do some nice work my friend! It's funny that you chose holly as that is one of the next ones on my list of woods to try out. Mainly because I have quite a bit of it. That privet looks pretty darn nice as well. I got some of that kicking around my yard somewhere

A side note about hollies (won't consume this thread) but there are a few whose leaves make a phenomenal tea! Yaupon holly tea is incredible and the most caffeinated plant in North America.

Thanks Sarge!It carves pretty good, reminded me of privet with the grain changes and small hidden knots.This was an experiment using this wood. It is considered an invasive species. The next one I do I will give it a tea stain to see what happens.

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"I may be goin' to hell in a bucket baby, but at least I'm enjoyin' the ride!"